Lactated Ringers (LR) contains: sodium chloride, sodium lactate, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride.
It is used as a source of water and electrolytes. It is capable of inducing diuresis (can remove excess salt and fluids from the kidneys through urination) depending on the clinical condition of the patient. Lactated Ringer’s Injection also produces a metabolic alkalinizing effect.
Lactated Ringers should not be used for someone with a known hypersensitivity to sodium lactate. Although LR has potassium in it, it should not be used for the purpose of treating severe potassium deficiency.
Particular caution should be used for someone who has hypervolemia (too much blood volume), overhydration, severe renal impairment (severe kidney disease), or conditions that cause fluid overload, edema, or abnormally elevated potassium levels, liver disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.
Those clients 65 years and older should particularly be carefully evaluated for kidney and liver disease, as well as other chronic disease before considering an infusion.
Studies have not been done to evaluate the safety of using LR in pregnancy or lactation. Nevertheless, Lactated Ringers is very commonly used in these populations.
Side effects: overall side effects are very rare. They may include infusion site reactions, including infection at the site, fluid leaking into the skin, or temporary numbness. We do not expect these reactions, but notify your doctor or seek emergency medical assistance if these symptoms become severe or you experience other symptoms including:
- Laryngeal edema (throat swelling)
- Excessive sneezing
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
Notify your clinician if you are currently taking any medications or have any allergies to any medications.
References
Drugs.com (2024, May 26). Lactated Ringers Prescribing Information. https://www.drugs.com/pro/lactated-ringers.html#s-34067-9